New Tank + New Gravel - Cleaning Gravel Properly...

[sven_sol]

Hiya... ) ) )

errmm want some opinions.. be as brutal as you like:

Filled up my new Jewel Rio 240, and I havent cleaned the gravel as much as I should have.

I've put a load of disposable plants in and moved the gravel around a bit and its stirred it up and this has happened - errr... It looks worse in real life that this picture shows

 

[Phoenixfish]

for waht its worth, clean it again, you have no fish in there and any that do go in will get all nasty things, sores etc

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If the gravle is new, then this is relatively normal- did you wash the gravel before you put it in? Water changes with dechlorinator and regular gravel-stirrings will be your best way of getting rid of the cloudyness- it will go though if you do this so don't worry .

 

[sven_sol]

If the gravle is new, then this is relatively normal- did you wash the gravel before you put it in? Water changes with dechlorinator and regular gravel-stirrings will be your best way of getting rid of the cloudyness- it will go though if you do this so don't worry .

It is new... everything is. I thought I'd cleaned it, obviously I didnt do a very good job. After what Phoenixfish said I've already managed to take out about 40% of the water and put it down the sink.

Will the dust damage the filter media at all, will I have to clean/replace some/most of it, kinda ruining the cycle??

Note to everyone getting a new tank/new gravel. Clean it once, and then just to make sure, clean it all again!!

 

[@ombomb]

FYI

It's not the best idea to have plants in there while you cycle the tank.

Although they're not as sensitive to it as fish, but they don't appreciate very high levels.

Also the variagated plants you have in there are non aquatic, they'll be fine for a couple of months but you'll need to take them out after than.

 

[sven_sol]

FYI

It's not the best idea to have plants in there while you cycle the tank.

Although they're not as sensitive to it as fish, but they don't appreciate very high levels.

Also the variagated plants you have in there are non aquatic, they'll be fine for a couple of months but you'll need to take them out after than.

They are the only plants I've ever had any success with, all the others go brown and start dieing!

So, you're saying to take the plants out?? Could have swarn I read that plants help... ah well. Mind you, I thought I cleaned the gravel!!

On the dust front though, 40% water change and then top back up you think?

 

[@ombomb]

If you've only just started off the cycle, I'd be tempted to take the gravel right out and clean it. Other than that, 40%-50% change with a gravel vac will help.

 

[silver tipped]

Hi,

I had the same problem when I started my first tank. I spent hours cleaning the gravel yet when I put the water in it turned all cloudy and dirty looking. Don't worry though after a while it soon settled and the water cleared. I didn't have to clean/buy new filter media.

As for your plants, I agree with @ombomb, you shouldn't have the plants in there at the mo. When I cycled my first tank (cycled with fish but never again) I was told to add the plants once I added my first fish.

 

[sven_sol]

As for your plants, I agree with @ombomb, you shouldn't have the plants in there at the mo. When I cycled my first tank (cycled with fish but never again) I was told to add the plants once I added my first fish.

I read this posting on "How to do a fishless cycle" and it says that potted plants are a good source of bacteria...

Live Plants (preferrably potted, leave the rockwool on until cycling is finished). Crypts or amazon swords are good choices, and not too demanding.

Thats why I put some in I didnt mind loosing whilst cycling..

 

[silver tipped]

HI,

Well the advice I was given about plants came from my lfs. I put my plants in after 1 week, along with some tetra. I haven't had any die or go brown yet.

I must admit though I have never done it the other way and put plants in right at the biginning.